Green Your Cleaning Routine

7 natural ways to completely clean house

Your heavy-duty household cleaners might be bad news for dirt and germs, but they're also a bummer for the environment. Think about it: If you have to open a window every time you scrub your shower so you don't pass out from fumes, what's this product doing to you and the Earth in the long run?

According to the Environmental Working Group, many common household cleaners contain ingredients that are known carcinogens and volatile organic compounds. Symptoms from exposure to these chemicals include short-term effects like headaches, nausea, dizziness and eye, nose and throat irritation. Prolonged exposure increases your risk of asthma and cancer as well as damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system.

Even without the hazardous chemicals, cleaning product in aerosol spray cans raise your carbon footprint because of the hydrocarbons and compressed gases they contain, which are major contributors to global warming.

The good news is, a sparkling home doesn't have to come at the expense of the environment. These all-green cleaning solutions require minimal ingredients (you probably have half of them in your house already), are safe for your health and the environment, and get the job done.